How it Works

Velcade (Bortezomib) works by inhibiting proteasomes. These proteasomes are necessary for many critical cellular functions (growth, division, and survival). When Velcade (Bortezomib) inhibits proteasome function, the normal balance within a cell is disrupted, the myeloma cells stop digesting proteins (leading to a large protein buildup, which becomes toxic for the cell), halting the cell division and chemical production that stimulate other myeloma cells, resulting in the myeloma cells’ death.

It is important to mention that myeloma cells are more sensitive to these effects than normal cells, so myeloma cells die while normal cells can recover.

How it’s Administered

It is administered by a healthcare professional as an injection into your vein (intravenously or IV) or under your skin (subcutaneously, or SC).

Who Should Take Velcade

Velcade is currently approved for:

Patients with multiple myeloma (a cancer of the plasma cells)
Patients with mantle cell lymphoma (a cancer of the lymph nodes)

Who Shouldn’t Take Velcade

You should not receive Velcade if you are allergic to bortezomib, boron, or mannitol
Patients with existing severe neuropathy should not take Velcade

The Most Common Side Effects of Taking Velcade Include:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Low platelets (thrombocytopenia)
Decreased number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell (neutropenia)
Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
Fatigue
Nerve pain (neuralgia)
Low red blood cells (anemia)
Low white blood cells (leukopenia)
Constipation
Vomiting
Decreased number of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell (lymphopenia)
Rash
Fever
Lack of appetite (anorexia)

Commonly Used With

Lenalidomide
Dexamethasone

Currently Being Tested With Velcade

Steroids: Dexamethasone, Prednisone
Chemotherapeutic drugs: Melphalan, cyclophosphamide, Cisplatin, Etoposide
Immunomodulators agents: Pomalidomide, Lenalidomide, Thalidomide
Monoclonal antibodies: Daratumumab, Elotuzumab, Belantamab Mafodotin, Isatuximab, Mezagitamab (TAK-079)
Histone deacetylase inhibitor: Panobinostat
Selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE): Selinexor
Antibiotics with antineoplastic activity: Adriamycin
Others: Osalmid, hydroxychloroquine

Learn more about your treatments in Cure Hub

Bortezomib (Velcade)

Common brand names

Approved use in

Administration method